Passive distribution system using fiber indexing

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to systems and method for deploying a fiber optic network. Distribution devices are used to index fibers within the system to ensure that live fibers are provided at output locations throughout the system. In an example, fibers can be indexed in multiple directions within the system. In an example, fibers can be stored and deployed form storage spools.

CROSS REFERENCE FOR RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/161,827, filed May 23, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,841,569, which is aContinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/285,949, filed May 23,2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,348,096, which is a Continuation-In-Part ofInternational Application No. PCT/US2013/034618, filed Mar. 29, 2013,which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/618,156, filed Mar.30, 2012, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference. This application also claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Ser.No. 61/826,655, filed May 23, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Ser. No.61/971,390, filed Mar. 27, 2014, the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference. To the extent appropriate, a claim ofpriority is made to each of the above referenced applications.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to equipment for fiber opticcommunications networks. More particularly, the present disclosurerelates to the components of passive optical networks and methods fordeploying the same.

BACKGROUND

Passive optical networks are becoming prevalent in part because serviceproviders want to deliver high bandwidth communication capabilities tocustomers. Passive optical networks are a desirable choice fordelivering high-speed communication data because they may not employactive electronic devices, such as amplifiers and repeaters, between acentral office and a subscriber termination. The absence of activeelectronic devices may decrease network complexity and/or cost and mayincrease network reliability.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a fiber optic network architectureincluding multiple fiber optic lines routed at least partially along aroute that extends past multiple drop locations; and a plurality ofmulti-fiber optical connectors positioned along the route. The fiberoptic lines extend through the multi-fiber optical connectors. Themulti-fiber optical connectors each have multiple consecutive fiberpositions for receiving optical fibers corresponding to the fiber opticlines. The fiber optic lines include first fiber lines that are indexedin a first indexing direction along the consecutive fiber positions ofthe multi-fiber optical connectors as the first fiber optic lines extendin a first route direction along the route. The first fiber optic linesare progressively dropped from the route to subscriber connection pointsat the drop locations by progressively indexing the first fiber opticlines to one of the consecutive fiber positions that are a firstpredetermined drop position. The fiber optic lines include second fiberlines that are indexed in a second indexing direction along theconsecutive fiber positions as the second fiber optic lines extend in asecond route direction along the route. The second fiber optic lines areprogressively dropped from the route to subscriber connection points atthe drop locations by progressively indexing the second fiber opticlines to another of the consecutive fiber positions that is a secondpredetermined drop position. The second predetermined drop position is adifferent one of the consecutive fiber positions as compared to thefirst predetermined drop position. The first indexing direction isopposite from second indexing direction. The first route direction isopposite form the second route direction.

Other aspects of the disclosure related to a fiber optic networkarchitecture including multiple fiber optic lines routed at leastpartially along a route that extends past multiple drop locations; and aplurality of multi-fiber optical connectors positioned along the route.The fiber optic lines extend through the multi-fiber optical connectors.The multi-fiber optical connectors each have a plurality of consecutivefiber positions for receiving optical fibers corresponding to the fiberoptic lines. The fiber optic lines include first fiber lines that areindexed in a first indexing direction along the consecutive fiberpositions of the multi-fiber optical connectors as the first fiber opticlines extend in a first route direction along the route. The first fiberoptic lines are progressively indexed toward one of the consecutivefiber positions, which is a first predetermined drop position. The fiberoptic lines also include second fiber lines that are indexed in a secondindexing direction along the consecutive fiber positions as the secondfiber optic lines extend in a second route direction along the route.The second fiber optic lines are progressively indexed toward another ofthe consecutive fiber positions, which is a second predetermined dropposition. The second predetermined drop position is a different one ofthe consecutive fiber positions as compared to the first predetermineddrop position. The first indexing direction is opposite from the secondindexing direction. The first route direction is opposite from thesecond route direction. At least some of the first predetermined droppositions and at least some of the second predetermined drop positionsare coupled to subscriber locations.

Other aspects of the disclosure related to an optical fiber cableassembly including a first multi-fiber connector having a plurality offirst fiber apertures disposed in a layout; a second multi-fiberconnector having a plurality of second fiber apertures disposed in thelayout so that each second fiber aperture corresponds to one of thefirst fiber apertures in the layout; optical fibers extending from thefirst multi-fiber connector to the second multi-fiber connector; and anoutput fiber extending from a first end to a second end. Each of theoptical fibers has a first end that is located at one of the first fiberapertures and a second end that is located at one of the second fiberapertures. The respective first fiber aperture of each optical fiberdoes not correspond to the respective second fiber aperture of theoptical fiber in the layout. The first end of the output fiber islocated at one of the first fiber apertures. The second end of theoutput fiber is separate from the second multi-fiber connector. Thecable assembly does not include a rigid housing.

Other aspects of the disclosure related to an optical fiber cableassembly including indexed optical fibers extending from a firstmulti-fiber connector to a second multi-fiber connector; an outputfiber; a flexible closure disposed over the indexed optical fibers andthe output fiber; and a first stub cable terminated by the firstmulti-fiber connector, the first stub cable being stored on a rapidspool prior to deployment. Each of the multi-fiber connectors has acommon indexing sequence. The output fiber extends from the firstposition in the indexing sequence at the first multi-fiber connector toa third connector. An optical fiber having a second position in theindexing sequence at the first multi-fiber connector is routed to afirst position in the indexing sequence of the second multi-fiberconnector.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the descriptionthat follows. These aspects can relate to individual features and tocombinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts uponwhich the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example distributed optical networkincluding indexing terminals daisy-chained together;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example indexing terminal suitablefor use in the distributed optical network of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the example distributed optical networkof FIG. 1 in which a number of multi-service terminals have beendeployed to connect subscribers to the network;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of an indexing terminal mounted to anexample mounting and payout arrangement including a universal mountingbracket and a payout spool in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the example mounting and payout arrangementof FIG. 4 showing the stub distribution cable of the indexing terminalwrapped around a slack storage spool and the payout spool;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a mounting bracket mounted to apole after the stub distribution cable is paid out and the payout spoolis removed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the mounting bracket and pole of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of another example indexing terminalhaving multiple single-fiber ports and multiple multi-fiber ports;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an example distributed optical networkin which any of the indexing terminals disclosed herein may be deployed;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of another example universal bracket lashedto a strand and holding an example multi-service terminal mounted to anexample indexing terminal;

FIG. 11 shows ruggedized multi-fiber connectors that can be used insystems and components of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a schematic depiction of a multi-fiber cable assembly thatcan be used in systems in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 13 is a schematic depiction of another multi-fiber cable assemblythat can be used in systems in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a schematic depiction of a single fiber cable assembly thatcan be used in systems in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 15 is a schematic depiction of a passive power splitter assemblythat can be used in systems in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a schematic depiction of a fiber break-out assembly that canbe used in systems in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 17 is a schematic depiction of a fiber indexing and distributiondevice that can be used in systems in accordance with the principles ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a schematic depiction of another fiber indexing anddistribution device that can be used in systems in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a schematic depiction of a further fiber indexing anddistribution device that can be used in systems in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a layout of an example fiber indexing scheme that can be usedin the devices of FIGS. 17-19 and elsewhere;

FIG. 21 is a layout of another example fiber indexing scheme that can beused in the devices of FIGS. 17-19 and elsewhere;

FIG. 22 shows a plurality of the devices of FIG. 20 coupled together toform a fiber distribution line;

FIG. 23 is a schematic depiction of a bifurcating/dividing device thatcan be used in systems in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 24 is a schematic depiction of another bifurcating/dividing devicethat can be used in systems in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a schematic depiction of a distribution scheme that can beused in systems in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 26 is a schematic depiction of another distribution scheme that canbe used in systems in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 27 is a schematic depiction of a further distribution scheme thatcan be used in systems in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 28 is a schematic depiction of a passive outdoor networkdistribution scheme that can be used in systems in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 is a schematic depiction of a multi-dwelling unit distributionscheme that can be used in systems in accordance with the principles ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 30 shows in schematic form another view of the fiber distributionline of FIG. 22;

FIG. 31 shows in schematic form a modified fiber distribution line wheresignal travel is bi-directional; and

FIG. 32 is a view like FIG. 22 showing use of the bi-directional signalpathway.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary aspects of thepresent disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings to refer to the same or like structure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example optical network 100 being deployed inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The exampleoptical network 100 includes a central office 101 and at least one fiberdistribution hub 105. While only a single hub 105 is shown in FIG. 1, itwill be understood that optical networks 100 typically include multiplehubs. At least one feeder cable 140 extends from the central office 101to each distribution hub 105. At the distribution hub 105, optical fibercarried by the feeder cable 140 are split onto optical fibers of one ormore distribution cables 150. At least one distribution cable 150extends from the distribution hub 105 towards subscriber premises 109.

In accordance with some aspects, the optical network 100 is adistributed optical network in which optical signals may be split at asplitting location disposed between the distribution hub 105 and theindividual subscriber premises 109 as will be disclosed in more detailherein. In such systems, individual optical fibers may be broken outfrom the distribution cable 150 at geographic intervals and routed tothe splitting locations. In various implementations, the splittinglocations may be positioned at telephone poles, strands, and/or handholes. From the splitting locations, the split optical signals arecarried by drop cables to the individual subscriber premises 109.

In some implementations, the individual optical fibers are broken outfrom the distribution cable 150 at indexing terminals 110. Each indexingterminal 110 receives a distribution cable 150 having two or moreoptical fibers. In some implementations, the distribution cable 150 is astub cable that extends outwardly from the indexing terminal 110. Inother implementations, the indexing terminal 110 receives aconnectorized end of the distribution cable 150. In certainimplementations, each indexing terminal 110 separates one of the opticalfibers from the other optical fibers 152 of the distribution cable 150.The separated optical fiber 152 is routed to a first port 112 of theindexing terminal 110 and the other optical fibers 154 are routed to asecond port 114 of the indexing terminal 110 (e.g., see FIG. 2).

In the example shown in FIG. 1, a first distribution cable 150A isrouted from the distribution hub 105 to a mounting structure (e.g.,telephone pole) 108A at which an indexing terminal 110 is mounted. Theindexing terminal 110 has a first port 112 and a second port 114. Asecond distribution cable 150B extends from the indexing terminal 110 atthe first mounting structure 108A to another indexing terminal mountedat a second mounting structure 108B. In the distributed network 100shown in FIG. 1, indexing terminals 110 are mounted to eight poles108A-108H. These indexing terminals 110 are daisy-chained together usingdistribution cables 150A-150H as will be described in more detailherein. In other implementations, however, distributed networks mayinclude a greater or lesser number of indexing terminals 110.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example indexing terminal 110 suitable for use inthe distributed optical network 100 of FIG. 1. The indexing terminal 110includes a housing 111 that defines the first port 112 and the secondport 114. In the example shown, a stub distribution cable 150 extendsoutwardly from the indexing terminal housing 111. The stub distributioncable 150 includes multiple optical fibers that are connectorized at anend opposite the indexing terminal housing 111. In the example shown,the stub distribution cable 150 includes twelve optical fibers. In otherimplementations, however, the stub distribution cable 150 may include agreater or lesser number of optical fibers (e.g., four, eight, ten,sixteen, twenty-four, seventy-two, etc.).

In certain implementations, the optical fibers of the stub distributioncable 150 extend from first ends to a second ends. The first ends of thefibers are connectorized at a multi-fiber connector 156 (e.g., anMPO-type connector). In the example shown, the first ends of the fibersare connectorized at a ruggedized multi-fiber connector (e.g., anHMFOC-connector). As the terms are used herein, ruggedized opticalconnectors and ruggedized optical adapters are configured to matetogether to form an environmental seal. Some non-limiting exampleruggedized optical connector interfaces suitable for use with anindexing terminal 110 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,744,288,7,762,726, 7,744,286, 7,942,590, and 7,959,361, the disclosures of whichare hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The connector 156 indexes the first end of each optical fiber at aparticular position relative to the other fibers. In the example shown,the connector 156 indexes each of the twelve optical fibers into one oftwelve positions P1-P12. The second port 114 has the same number offiber positions as the connector 156. In the example shown, the secondport 114 has twelve fiber positions P1′-P12′ that correspond with thefiber positions P1-P12 of the connector 156. However, at least one ofthe fiber positions at the second port 114 does not receive an opticalfiber as will be disclosed in more detail herein.

A first one 152 of the optical fibers has a first end located at thefirst position P1 of the connector 156. The second end of the firstoptical fiber 152 is separated out from the rest of the optical fibers152 within the indexing terminal housing 111 and routed to the firstport 112 at which optical signals carried by the first optical fiber 152may be accessed. In some implementations, the first port 112 defines afemale port at which an optical fiber plug may be mated to the firstoptical fiber 152 as will be described in more detail herein. In certainimplementations, the first port 112 includes a ruggedized (i.e.,hardened) optical adapter configured to receive a ruggedized opticalconnector (e.g., an HMFOC).

The remaining optical fibers 154 are routed to the second port 114. Atleast one of the fiber positions P1′-P12′ does not receive an opticalfiber 154 since at least one optical fiber 152 is diverted to the firstport 112. However, the second port 114 indexes the received opticalfibers 154 so that a first position P1′ at the second port 114 thatcorresponds with the first position P1 of the connector does receive oneof the optical fibers 154. In accordance with aspects of the disclosure,when the indexing terminals 110 are daisy-chained together as shown inFIG. 1, the optical fiber 152 diverted to the first port 112 will bepulled from the same position P1-P12. Also, the remaining fibers 154will be cabled so that the corresponding position P1′-P12′ at the secondport 114 will receive one of the optical fibers 154 if any areavailable.

In the example shown, the separated optical fiber 152 located at an endof the row/strip of fibers. Accordingly, the optical fibers 154 arecabled within the terminal housing 111 to divert the second end of eachoptical fiber 154 over one indexed position P1′-P12′ compared to thefirst end. For example, a fiber 154 having a first end at position Pn ofthe connector 156 would have a second end at position P(n−1)′ at thesecond port 114. In the example shown, the optical fiber 154 having afirst end at the second position P2 of the connector 156 will have asecond end disposed at the first position P1′ of the second port 114.Likewise, the optical fiber 154 having a first end at disposed the thirdposition P3 of the connector 156 will have a second end disposed at thesecond position P2′ of the second port 114. The optical fiber 154 havinga first end at the twelfth position P12 of the connector 156 will have asecond end disposed at the eleventh position P11′ of the second port114. The twelfth position P12′ of the second port 114 will not receivean optical fiber. In other implementations, the optical fiber at any ofthe positions P1-P12 may be separated out from the rest as long as eachindexing terminal separates out a fiber from the same position.

Such a cabling configuration enables the indexing terminals to bedaisy-chained together using identical components while alwaysdelivering the next fiber in line to the first port 112. For example, inFIG. 1, the stub distribution cable 150B of the second indexing terminal110 mounted to the second pole 108B may be routed to and plugged intothe second port 114 of the first indexing terminal 110 mounted to thefirst pole 108A. The stub distribution cable 150A of the first indexingterminal 110 may be routed to the distribution hub 105 to receive splitoptical signals from the feeder cable 140. Accordingly, the splitoptical signals carried by the first optical fiber 152 of the first stubdistribution cable 150A are routed to the first port 112 of the firstindexing terminal 110. The split optical signals carried by theremaining optical fibers 154 of the first stub distribution cable 150Aare routed to positions P1′-P11′ of the second port 114 of the firstindexing terminal 110.

At the second port 114, the second optical fiber 154 of the first stubcable 150A is mated with the first optical fiber 152 of the second stubcable 150B. The first optical fiber 152 of the second stub cable 150B isrouted to the first port 112 of the second indexing terminal.Accordingly, the split optical signals carried by the second opticalfiber 154 of the first stub cable 150A propagate to the first opticalfiber 152 of the second stub cable 150B and are accessible at the secondport 114 of the second indexing terminal 110. Likewise, the splitoptical signals carried by the sixth optical fiber 154 of the first stubcable 150A propagate to the fifth optical fiber 154 of the second stubcable 150B, the fourth optical fiber 154 of the third stub cable 150C,the third optical fiber 154 of the fourth stub cable 150D, the secondoptical fiber 154 of the fifth stub cable 150E, and the first opticalfiber 152 of the sixth stub cable 150F and are accessible at the secondport 114 of the sixth indexing terminal 110.

In alternative implementations, the distribution cable 150 is not a stubcable and the indexing terminal housing 111 defines an input port (e.g.,an HMFOC port) configured to receive a second connectorized end of thedistribution cable 150. In such implementations, internal cablingbetween the input port and the second port 114 is implemented asdescribed above. Accordingly, the optical fiber coupled to a firstposition at the input port is routed to the first port 112 and theoptical fiber coupled to a second position at the input port is routedto a first position at the second port 114. In such implementations,each distribution cables 150 would include twelve optical fibers thatare connectorized at both ends. The first end of each distribution cable150 would mate with the input port of one indexing terminal. The secondend of each distribution cable 150 would mate with the second port 114of another indexing terminal.

As shown in FIG. 3, subscribers 109 may be coupled to the opticalnetwork 100 via the first ports 112 of the indexing terminals 110. Forexample, in some implementations, multi-service terminals 130 may bemounted at or near the indexing terminals 110. The multi-serviceterminal 130 include one or more optical power splitters and/or wavedivision multiplexers. Splitter pigtails are routed to distributionports 138 on the multi-service terminal 130. Drop cables 160 may berouted between the distribution ports and the subscriber premises 109.Additional details regarding examples of suitable multi-serviceterminals can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,444,056 and in U.S.Publication No. 2009/0208177, the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

A cable 135 optically couples one of the multi-service terminals 130 toone of the indexing terminals 110. In some implementations, the cable135 is a stub cable that extends from the multi-service terminal. Forexample, a connectorized end of the stub cable 135 may be plugged intothe first port 112 of the indexing terminal 110 so that optical signalsprovided at the first port 112 are routed to the optical splittersand/or wave division multiplexers. In other implementations, the cable135 is connectorized at both ends and plugs into the first port 112 ofthe indexing terminal 110 and an input port of the multi-serviceterminal 130. In still other implementations, the cable 135 is a stubcable extending from the indexing terminal that defines the single-fiberport 112 at a distal end that plugs into an input port of themulti-service terminal 130.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the distributed optical network includesindexing terminals 110 mounted to eight poles 108A-108H anddaisy-chained together via the distribution cables 150A-150H asdescribed above. A first subscriber 109 is coupled to the opticalnetwork 100 via a multi-service terminal 130 mounted at the second pole108B. In particular, a drop cable 160 extends between the subscriber 109and the multi-service terminal 130. A subscriber cable 135 extendsbetween the multi-service terminal 130 and the first port 112 of theindexing terminal 110. Accordingly, the subscriber 109 receives opticalsignals that are carried from the distribution hub 105, over the secondoptical fiber 154 of the first distribution cable 150A, over the firstoptical fiber 152 of the second distribution cable 150B, to the secondport 114 of the second indexing terminal 110B.

As shown at the sixth pole 108F of FIG. 3, optical signals from thesingle optical fiber 152 received at the first port 112 of the indexingterminal 110 may be carried to the multi-service terminal 130 via cable135. At the multi-service terminal 130, the optical signals may be splitonto two or more (e.g., four, eight, ten, twelve, sixteen, twenty-four,etc.) drop cables 160. Also as shown in FIG. 3, in certainimplementations, a drop cable 160 may be routed to the subscriberpremises 109 directly from the first port 112 of one of the indexingterminals 110 (e.g., see the fourth indexing terminal 110D). Routing thedrop cable 160 directly from the indexing terminal 110 would provide astronger (i.e., unsplit) optical signal to the subscriber 109.

In still other implementations, one or more optical splitters or wavedivision multiplexers may be mounted within the indexing terminal 110.In some such implementations, the indexing terminal may include multiplesingle-fiber ports to which drop cables 160 may be coupled. In othersuch implementations, the split signals are routed to optical fibersterminated at a multi-fiber connector that is plugged into the firstport 112, which may be optically coupled to an input of a multi-serviceterminal 130 that may or may not include splitters.

FIGS. 4-5 illustrate one example implementation of a mounting and payoutarrangement 200 by which the indexing terminals 110 may be deployed. Themounting and payout arrangement 200 includes a mounting bracket 210 thatis configured to secure at least the indexing terminal 110 to atelephone pole 108 or other mounting structure. The mounting bracket 210includes at least one fastening arrangement 212 at which the indexingterminal 110 may be secured. In the example shown, the fasteningarrangement 212 includes a sleeve having latching sides. In someimplementations, the indexing terminal 110 may be snap-fit into thesleeve of the fastening arrangement 212. In other implementations, theindexing terminal 110 may be slid into the sleeve of the fasteningarrangement 212 from a top or bottom of the sleeve. In otherimplementations, the fastening arrangement 212 may otherwise secure theindexing terminal 110 to the bracket 210.

In some implementations, the mounting bracket 210 also includes a secondfastening arrangement 214 at which a multi-service terminal 130 may besecured (e.g., see FIG. 7). In the example shown, the second fasteningarrangement 214 is the same as the fastening arrangement 212. In otherimplementations, however, the second fastening arrangement 214 may havea different structure than the fastening arrangement 212. In still otherimplementations, the indexing terminal 110 and the multi-serviceterminal 130 may be secured to the mounting bracket 210 using a commonfastening arrangement. In still other implementations, the multi-serviceterminal 130 is configured to be mounted to a separate mounting bracket.

The mounting and payout arrangement 200 also includes a payout spool 230from which the distribution cable 150 of the indexing terminal 110 maybe paid out. In some implementations, the payout spool 230 is removablefrom the mounting bracket 210 when the distribution cable 150 has beenunwound from the payout spool 230 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). Removing thepayout spool 230 after deployment reduced the footprint of thearrangement that is mounted to the pole 108 or other mounting structure.

The stub distribution cable 150 of the indexing terminal 110 isinitially wound around the payout spool 230. The payout spool 230facilitates management and storage of the distribution cable 150 priorto deployment. In some implementations, the payout spool 230 isconfigured to rotate about a drum (e.g., mounted to a vehicle) tofacilitate deployment of the cable 150. For example, the drum or spoolmay be inserted through passage 213 that extends through the payoutspool 230 along an axis of rotation. In certain implementations, themounting bracket 210 and indexing terminal 110 rotate in unison with thepayout spool 230. In other implementations, the payout spool 230 rotatesrelative to the mounting bracket 210.

In certain implementations, the mounting and payout arrangement 200 alsoincludes a slack storage spool 220. The slack storage spool 220 remainscoupled to the mounting bracket 210 after the payout spool 230 has beenremoved. The slack storage spool 220 accommodates any excess length ofthe distribution cable 150 after the indexing terminal 110 is secured tothe mounting structure 108. Accordingly, mounting and payout arrangement200 may be deployed with standardized cable lengths (e.g., 25 feet, 50feet, 100 feet, 1,000 feet, 2,000 feet, 3,000 feet, etc.). In someimplementations, a first portion of the distribution cable 150 nearerthe indexing terminal 110 is wound around the slack storage spool 220and the remainder of the distribution cable 150 is wound around thepayout spool 230. In certain implementations, the slack storage spool220 has a smaller cross-dimension (e.g., diameter) than the payout spool230.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the example mounting bracket 210 securing theindexing terminal 110 to an example telephone pole 108 after the payoutspool 230 has been removed. The indexing terminal 110 is held to themounting bracket 210 by fastening arrangement 212. The mounting bracket210 is coupled to the slack storage spool 220, which is disposed againstthe pole 108. In the example shown, the bracket 210 is mounted to thepole 108 using straps 218 that wrap around the pole 108 and couple tohooks 216. In other implementations, the bracket 210 may be otherwisecoupled to the pole 108. In the example shown in FIG. 7, a multi-serviceterminal 130 has been mounted to the bracket 210 using fasteningarrangement 214. A stub cable 135 of the multi-service terminal 130 isplugged into the first port 112 of the indexing terminal 110. Ruggedizedports 138 of the multi-service terminal 130 are configured to receivedrop cables 160 as needed to add subscribers 109 to the network 100.

The distributed optical fiber network 100 is initially deployed byplugging the connectorized end 156 of a first distribution cable 150Ainto a termination field at a fiber distribution hub 105 or otherwisecoupling the connectorized end 156 to one or more fibers of the feedercable 140. In certain implementations, the first distribution cable 150Aextends from an indexing terminal 110 mounted to a mounting and payoutarrangement 200. The distribution cable 150A is paid out from a payoutspool 230 of the mounting and payout arrangement 200 as the mounting andpayout arrangement 200 is moved from the distribution hub 105 to a firstpole 108A. For example, the payout spool 230 may be rotatably mounted toa shaft on a vehicle so that the payout spool 230 unwinds as the vehiclemoves. In an alternative implementation, the mounting and payoutarrangement 200 is secured to a mounting location and the distributioncable 150 is paid out and routed to the hub 105. In certainimplementations, the distribution cable 150A is lashed to a strandbetween adjacent mounting structures 108 as the cable 150A is paid out.

During payout, the distribution cable 150A also may be unwound from theslack storage spool 220 to the extent necessary as the mounting andpayout arrangement 200 is routed to the first pole 108A. The payoutspool 230 is removed when the distribution cable 150 has been unwoundfrom the payout spool 230. At the mounting structure 108, the mountingbracket 210 is mounted to the first mounting structure 108A (FIG. 1). Insome implementations, the mounting bracket 210 is mounted to the firstpole 108A while the indexing terminal 110 is held by the mountingbracket 210. In other implementations, the indexing terminal 110 issecured to the mounting bracket 210 after the mounting bracket 210 ismounted to the first pole 108A. In certain implementations, the mountingbracket 210 is lashed to a strand between adjacent mounting structures108 (e.g., see FIG. 10).

The connectorized end 156 of a second distribution cable 150B is pluggedinto the second port 114 of the indexing terminal 110. The seconddistribution cable 150B extends from an indexing terminal 110 mounted toa second mounting and payout arrangement 200. The distribution cable150B is paid out from a payout spool 230 of the second mounting andpayout arrangement 200 as the mounting and payout arrangement 200 isrouted from the first pole 108A to the second pole 108B. The payoutspool 230 is removed when the distribution cable 150 has been unwoundfrom the payout spool 230. The second distribution cable 150B also isunwound from the slack storage spool 220 as necessary as the secondmounting and payout arrangement 200 is routed to the second pole 108B.The mounting bracket 210 of the second mounting and payout arrangement200 is mounted to the second pole 108B. Additional indexing terminals110 are likewise mounted to additional poles (e.g., poles 108B-108H) inthe same way.

When a subscriber 109 is to be added to the network 100, a multi-serviceterminal 130 may be mounted to the pole 108A-108H that is locatedclosest to the subscriber 109 or otherwise corresponds to the subscriber109. In certain implementations, the multi-service terminal 130 ismounted to the mounting bracket 210 (e.g., via fastening arrangement214). Mounting both the indexing terminal 110 and the multi-serviceterminal 130 to the same bracket 210 may reduce the footprint taken upby the mounting and payout arrangement 200. Mounting both the indexingterminal 110 and the multi-service terminal 130 to the same bracket 210also may reduce the cost of deploying the multi-service terminal (e.g.,by facilitating installation at the pole 108). A connectorized end of astub cable 135 of the multi-service terminal 130 is plugged into thefirst port 112 of the indexing terminal 110, thereby providing opticalsignals from the first port 112 to the distribution ports 138 of themulti-service terminal 130. A drop cable 160 may be routed between thesubscriber 109 and one of the distribution ports 138.

FIG. 8 illustrates another example indexing terminal 310 suitable foruse in a distributed optical network 300 of FIG. 9. The indexingterminal 310 includes a housing 311 that defines at least a firstsingle-fiber port 312 and at least a first multi-fiber port 314. In theexample shown, the housing 311 defines a first single-fiber port 312, asecond single-fiber port 312′, a first multi-fiber port 314, and asecond multi-fiber port 314′. In other implementations, however, thehousing 311 may include a greater number of single-fiber ports and/ormulti-fiber ports. In the example shown, the indexing terminal housing311 also defines an input port 318 (e.g., ruggedized adapter, ruggedizedconnector, non-ruggedized optical adapter, non-ruggedized opticalconnector, etc.) configured to receive a multi-fiber distribution cable.In other implementations, however, a stub distribution cable may extendoutwardly from the indexing terminal housing 311 as discussed above withrespect to the indexing terminal 110 of FIG. 2.

The indexing terminal 310 includes internal cabling between the inputport 318 and the other ports 312, 314. The input port 318 arrangesoptical fibers of the internal cabling into indexed positions. In theexample shown, the input port 318 arranges twelve optical fibers intotwelve indexed positions P1-P12. In general, each of the single-fiberports 312 receives one of the optical fibers of the internal cabling fordistribution to subscribers 109. In certain implementations, each of thesingle-fiber ports 312 receives the optical fiber from the nextavailable indexed position of the input port 318. For example, a firstoptical fiber 352 of the internal cabling extends from the first indexedposition P1 at the input port 318 to the first single-fiber port 312 anda second optical fiber 352′ extends from the second indexed position P2at the input port 318 to the second single-fiber port 312′.

The remaining optical fibers of the internal cabling are routed to oneor more multi-fiber ports 314 for distribution to additional indexingterminals. In the example shown, the optical fibers 354 extending fromthe third through seventh indexed positions P3-P7 are routed to thefirst multi-fiber port 314 and the optical fibers 354′ extending fromthe eight through the twelfth indexed positions P8-P12 are routed to thesecond multi-fiber port 314′. Each of the multi-fiber ports 314, 314′ isconfigured to receive an optical connector having the same number ofoptical fibers as the input port 318 and, hence, the same number ofindexed positions. In the example shown, the first multi-fiber port 314has twelve indexed positions P1′-P12′ and the second multi-fiber port314′ has twelve indexed positions P1″-P12″. In other implementations,the multi-fiber ports 314, 314′ and input port 318 may have a greater orlesser number of indexed positions. The optical fibers 354, 354′ areindexed at the multi-fiber ports 314, 314′ in sequence beginning withthe first indexed position P1′, P1″, respectively. At least one of theindexed positions at each multi-fiber port 314, 314′ does not receive anoptical fiber 354, 354′. In the example shown, multiple indexedpositions at each multi-fiber port 314, 314′ do not receive opticalfibers 354, 354′.

Such a cabling configuration enables the optical network to branch atone of the indexing terminals 310. For example, FIG. 9 illustratesanother example optical network 300 that includes a central office 301,at least one fiber distribution hub 305, and a plurality of indexingterminals. Any of the indexing terminals described herein may beutilized in the optical network 300. For example, a first indexingterminal 310A mounted to a first mounting location 308A in FIG. 9 hasthe same structural configuration as described above with respect to theindexing terminal 110 of FIG. 2. The first indexing terminal 310A hasone single-fiber port 312 and one multi-fiber port 314. A stub cable350A optically couples the first indexing terminal 310A to thedistribution hub 305.

A second indexing terminal 310B is mounted to a mounting structure 308Bin FIG. 9. A second distribution cable 350B optically couples the secondindexing terminal 310B to the first indexing terminal 310A. The secondindexing terminal 310B has two single-fiber ports and two multi-fiberports (e.g., see indexing terminal 310 of FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 9, athird distribution cable 350C may optically couple a third indexingterminal 310C to the first multi-fiber port 314 and another distributioncable 350H may optically couple an eighth indexing terminal 310H to thesecond multi-fiber port 314 of the second indexing terminal 310B. Onlythe first five optical fibers of each distribution cable 350C, 350Hcarry optical signals. Accordingly, no more than four indexing terminalsmay be daisy-chained to each of the third and eight indexing terminals310C, 310H. Such a branching of optical signals may be advantageous toenable routing of the optical network 300 down adjacent streets.

One or more multi-service terminals 330 may be optically coupled to theindexing terminals 310. For ease in viewing, only four multi-serviceterminals 330 are shown in FIG. 9. However, it will be understood thateach indexing terminal 310 may be coupled to one or more multi-serviceterminals. In the example shown, one multi-service terminal 330 is shownoptically coupled to the first single-fiber port 312 of the secondindexing terminal 310B, two multi-service terminals 330 are shownoptically coupled to the first and second single-fiber ports 312 of theseventh indexing terminal 310G, and one multi-service terminal 330 isshown optically coupled to the tenth indexing terminal 310J. In someimplementations, one or more of the subscribers may be coupled directlyto one of the single-fiber ports 312 of the indexing terminals 310(e.g., see the second single-fiber port 312 of the second indexingterminal 310B).

FIG. 10 illustrates another example indexing terminal 510 mounted toanother example mounting bracket 410. The mounting bracket 410 iscoupled to a slack storage spool 420. In certain implementations, aremovable payout spool may be coupled to the mounting bracket 410 and/orstack storage spool 420 prior to deployment. Hooks 416 are coupled tothe mounting bracket 410 to facilitate lashing the mounting bracket 410to a strand 450 extending between mounting structures (e.g., telephonepoles). For example, straps, cable ties, or other fastening structures417 may couple to the hooks 416 and extend around the strand 450. Thedistribution cable 550 also may be lashed to the strand 450 as thedistribution cable 550 extends between the indexing terminal 510 and aprevious indexing terminal or distribution hub. In otherimplementations, the mounting bracket may be secured to the mountingstructure itself (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7).

FIG. 10 also illustrates another example multi-service terminal 530 thatmounts to the indexing terminal 510. In certain implementations, themulti-service terminal 530 mounts to a housing of the indexing terminal510 instead of directly to the bracket 410. For example, themulti-service terminal 530 may define a port interface (e.g., a maleconnector or a female adapter) configured to mate with the portinterface (e.g., a corresponding male connector or a correspondingfemale adapter) of one or more single-fiber ports of the indexingterminal 510. In certain implementations, the port interfaces areruggedized. In the example shown, the multi-service terminal 530 mounts(e.g., snaps fits, nests, etc.) to a front of the indexing terminal 510so that the drop ports 538 of the multi-service terminal 530 are freelyaccessible.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods fordeploying a fiber optic network in which a collection of buildingblocks/components can be integrated to efficiently and cost effectivelydeploy the fiber optic network in an environment such as a neighborhoodor a multi-dwelling unit.

The components can include rapid components. A rapid component is acomponent that includes a spool about which a fiber optic cable iswrapped. For such components, the cable is deployed by turning the spoolabout its center axis. During deployment, the spool can be mounted on aspindle/arbor/shaft, supported by a bearing structure, or supported byany other type of structure that allows the spool to rotate as the cableis pulled from the spool.

The components can include hardened multi-fiber optical connectors(HMFOC). HMFOC's can include environmental seals for sealing theconnectors in outside environments. HMFOC's can include fasteners suchas threaded fasteners for providing robust connector-to connectormechanical connections. HMFOC's can include male connectors on cables,female connectors on cables, ports/adapters on housings and otherstructures. HMFOC's can include multi-fiber ferrules including fiberreceiving arrangements defining a plurality of fiber receivingpositions. In certain examples, the fiber receiving positions can bearranged in one or more rows of fiber receiving positions. FIG. 11 showsexample mating male and female HMFOC connectors 600 a, 600 b. The maleand female connectors 600 a, 600 b include intermatable mechanicalcoupling interfaces. For example, the male connector 600 a includes aninternally threaded nut 602 a that threads on a threaded portion 602 bof the female connector 600 b. Also, the male connector 600 a includes aplug portion 604 with openings 606, 608 that mate with projections 610,611 of the female connector 600 b to provide alignment during coupling.The connectors 600 a, 600 b include ferrules 614 a, 614 b having fiberreceiving arrangements that include fiber receiving positions 616 (e.g.,a row of twelve fiber receiving positions) that align when theconnectors 600 a, 600 b are mated to provide optical connections betweenthe optical fiber supported by the ferrules 614 a, 614 b. Furtherdetails of example HMFOC connectors are disclosed at U.S. Pat. No.7,264,402, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The components can also include hardened single fiber connectors (DLX).Hardened single fiber connectors can include environmental seals forsealing the connectors in outside environments. Hardened single fiberconnectors can include fasteners such as threaded fasteners forproviding robust connector-to connector mechanical connections. Hardenedsingle fiber connectors can include male connectors on cables, femaleconnectors on cables, ports/adapters on housings and other structures.Hardened single fiber connectors can include ferrules supporting singlefibers. Further details about example hardened single fiber connectorsare disclosed at U.S. Pat. No. 7,959,361, which is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

The components can also include non-ruggedized connectors such asstandard single fiber connectors (e.g., SC plugs, SC adapters, LC plugs,LC adapters, ST plugs, ST adapters, etc.) or standard multi-fiberconnectors (e.g., MPO plugs and/or MPO adapters).

FIG. 12 shows an example component 620 including a multi-fiber cable 621spooled on a rapid spool 622. Multi-fiber connectors 623, 624 (e.g.,hardened or non-hardened connectors) are mounted at opposite ends of thecable 621.

FIG. 13 shows an example component 630 including a multi-fiber cable 631spooled on a rapid spool 632. A multi-fiber connector 633 (e.g.,hardened or non-hardened connectors) is mounted at one end of the cable631 and the opposite end of the cable is unconnectorized and thereforready for splicing.

FIG. 14 shows an example component 634 including a single-fiber cable635 spooled on a rapid spool 636. Single-fiber connectors 637, 638(e.g., hardened or non-hardened connectors) are mounted at opposite endsof the cable 635.

FIG. 15 shows an example component in the form of a splitter assembly610 including a passive optical power splitter 611 having an inputoptical fiber 612 terminated by a single fiber connector 609 (e.g., ahardened or non-hardened connector) and output optical fibers terminatedby single fiber optical connectors 613 (e.g., hardened or non-hardened)so as to form connectorized pigtails/stubs. In other examples, theoutput optical fibers can be terminated by a multi-fiber connector(e.g., a hardened or non-hardened connector).

FIG. 16 shows an example component in the form of a breakout assembly614 including a plurality of optical fibers 615 having first endsterminated at a multi-fiber optical connector 616 (e.g., a hardened ornon-hardened optical connector) and second ends terminated by singlefiber optical connectors 617 (e.g., hardened or non-hardenedconnectors).

FIG. 17 shows an example fiber distribution device 640 in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure. The fiber distributiondevice 640 includes an input location 641 including a first multi-fiberoptical connector 642 (e.g., a hardened or non-hardened connector)including a first fiber receiving arrangement that defines a pluralityof fiber receiving positions (e.g., a 12 position linear array fiberreceiving arrangement as shown at FIG. 11). The fiber distributiondevice 640 also includes a first output location 643 including a secondmulti-fiber connector 644 (e.g., a hardened or non-hardened connector)including a second fiber receiving arrangement that defines a pluralityof fiber receiving positions (e.g., a 12 position linear array fiberreceiving arrangement as shown at FIG. 11). The second fiber receivingarrangement can have the same position configuration as the first fiberreceiving arrangement. The fiber distribution device 640 also includes asecond output location 645. In the example of FIG. 17, the second outputlocation 645 includes a single fiber optical connector 646 (e.g., ahardened or non-hardened connector). In other examples, the secondoutput location can include a passive optical power splitter 647 havinga plurality of separately connectorized output pigtails/cables 648 (seedevice 640 a of FIG. 18) or a passive optical power splitter 649 havinga plurality of output fibers terminated by a multi-fiber connector 650(e.g., a hardened or non-hardened connector) (see device 640 b of FIG.19). The fiber distribution device 640 further includes a plurality offirst optical fibers 652 having first and second ends 653, 654. Thefirst ends 653 are secured at the first fiber receiving arrangement ofthe first multi-fiber connector 642 and the second ends 654 are securedat the second fiber receiving arrangement of the second multi-fiberconnector 644. The first and second ends 653, 654 of each of the firstoptical fibers 652 are secured at different fiber receiving positions ofthe first and second fiber receiving arrangements. For example, thefirst ends 653 are secured at positions 2-12 of the first fiberreceiving arrangement and the second end 654 are received at positions1-11 of the second fiber receiving arrangement. Thus, the second ends654 are each indexed one position over with respect to theircorresponding first ends 653. The fiber distribution device 640 furtherincludes at least one second optical fiber 655 having a first end 656secured at one of the fiber receiving positions (e.g., the firstposition) of the first fiber receiving arrangement of the firstmulti-fiber connector 642. The second optical fiber 655 is routed fromthe first multi-fiber connector 642 to the second output location 645.The second optical fiber 655 is not routed to the second multi-fiberconnector 644.

In certain examples, the first and second multi-fiber connectors 642,644 have configurations that are intermatable. For example, the firstmulti-fiber connector 642 can include a first mechanical couplinginterface having a configuration that is intermatable with a secondmechanical coupling interface of the second multi-fiber connector 644.For example, the first multi-fiber connector 642 can include one of themale or female mechanical coupling interfaces of FIG. 11, while thesecond multi-fiber connector 644 can have the other of the male orfemale mechanical coupling interfaces of FIG. 11.

In certain examples, the first multi-fiber connector 642, the secondmulti-fiber connector 644 and the single fiber optical connector 646 canbe mounted to or incorporated as part of a terminal housing of the fiberdistribution device 640. In such examples, patch cord components (e.g.,see FIGS. 13 and 14) can be used to optically couple multiple componentstogether across relatively long distances. In other examples, the fiberdistribution device 640 can include one or more stub cables terminatedby the connectors 642, 644, 464. In certain examples, the fiberdistribution device 640 can be a cable assembly that does not include arigid housing. In certain examples, the stub cables can be stored on arapid spool. In certain examples, the fiber distribution device caninclude a first stub cable terminated by the first multi-fiber connector642, a second stub cable terminated by the second multi-fiber connector644, a third stub cable terminated by the connector 646, and a closurethat covers the region where the fibers are broken out between theconnectors 644, 646. The closure can be flexible in certain examples. Incertain examples, the first stub cable can be significantly longer thanthe second and third stub cables and can be stored on a rapid spoolprior to deployment.

FIG. 20 shows an example indexing configuration for the fiberdistribution device 640. As depicted, the first and second ends 653, 654of each of the first optical fibers 652 are secured at different fiberreceiving positions of the first and second fiber receiving arrangementscorresponding to the first and second multi-fiber connectors 642, 644.For example, the first ends 653 are secured at positions 2-12 of thefirst multi-fiber connector 642 and the second ends 654 are received atpositions 1-11 of the second multi-fiber connector 644. Thus, the secondends 654 are each indexed one position over with respect to theircorresponding first ends 653. The second optical fiber 655 is routedfrom the first position of the first multi-fiber connector 642 to thesecond output location 645. The second optical fiber 655 can be routedfrom positions other than the first position. For example, FIG. 21 showsan example where the second optical fiber 655 is routed from the sixthposition of the first multi-fiber connector 642 and the fibers 652corresponding to positions 1-5 and 7-12 of the first multi-fiberconnector 642 are routed are routed to the second multi-fiber connector644. In this example, the second ends 654 of the optical fiber 652 arealso indexed one position over with respect to their corresponding firstends 653 at the first multi-fiber connector 642. In other examples, thesecond ends 654 of the fibers 652 can be indexed more than one positionwith respect to their corresponding first ends 653.

FIG. 22 shows several of the fiber distribution devices 640 opticallycoupled together in a daisy chain configuration. Indexing the fibers 652between the first and second multi-fiber connectors 642, 644, ensuresthat a live fiber will be provided at the first port of the firstmulti-fiber connector 642 (and thus the second output location) whenmultiple fiber distribution devices are strung together in a chain.Indexing allows the same component to be used repeatedly throughout thedeployed system and thereby reduces the need for customization ofcomponents. Minimizing the number of types of components used reducesmanufacturing and stocking costs and facilitates installation byreducing the likelihood of using the improper component at a givenlocation.

Referring still to FIG. 22, the first multi-fiber optical connector 642of the first device 640 in the chain has a fiber position arrangementincluding a plurality of fiber positions at which the first ends 653 ofthe first optical fibers 652 are located. The second multi-fiber opticalconnector 654 is configured to couple with a third multi-fiber opticalconnector (e.g., the first multi-fiber connector 642 of the seconddevice 640 in the chain) having the same fiber position arrangement asthe first multi-fiber optical connector 642 of the first device 640 inthe chain. The second ends 654 of the first optical fibers are arrangedwithin the second multi-fiber connector 644 such that when the secondand third multi-fiber connectors are coupled together, the second endsof the first optical fibers align with fiber positions of the thirdmulti-fiber optical connector that are different from the fiberpositions of the first multi-fiber optical connector at which thecorresponding first ends of the first optical fibers are located. Forexample, the positions are indexed one increment. See also FIG. 30 for afurther illustration.

FIG. 23 shows another component 660 having a dividing/bifurcationconfiguration. In this example, the component includes an inputmulti-fiber connector 662 (hardened or non-hardened) and two outputmulti-fiber connectors 664 (hardened or non-hardened). The multi-fiberconnectors can include 12 fiber positions. First fibers 666 are routedfrom the input multi-fiber connector 662 and one of the outputmulti-fiber connectors 664 and second fibers 668 are routed from theinput multi-fiber connector 662 to the other of the output multi-fiberconnector 664. The first fibers 666 occupy the even positions of theinput multi-fiber connector 662 and the second fibers 668 occupy the oddpositions of the input multi-fiber connector 662. The first and secondfibers 666, 668 can occupy positions 1-6 of their respective outputmulti-fiber connectors 664.

FIG. 24 shows another component 670 having a dividing/bifurcationconfiguration. In this example, the component includes an inputmulti-fiber connector 672 (hardened or non-hardened) and two outputmulti-fiber connectors 674 (hardened or non-hardened). The multi-fiberconnectors can include 12 fiber positions. First fibers 676 are routedfrom the input multi-fiber connector 672 and one of the outputmulti-fiber connectors 674 and second fibers 678 are routed from theinput multi-fiber connector 672 to the other of the output multi-fiberconnector 674. The quantity of first fibers 676 is different from thequantity of the second fiber 678. As depicted, the first fibers 676occupy positions 5-12 of the input multi-fiber connector 662 and thesecond fibers 678 occupy positions 1-4 of the input multi-fiberconnector 662. The first and second fibers 666, 668 can occupy positions1-4 and 1-8 of their respective output multi-fiber connectors 664.

In deploying a system, a fiber distribution hub 800 can initially beinstalled. The fiber distribution hub can include a re-enterableenclosure containing an optical power splitter that may be opticallyconnected to a central office or other signal source. Outputs of thesplitter can be optically coupled to a cable terminated by a multi-fiberconnector such as an HMFOC. The cable can be a rapid cable of the typeshown by component 630 of FIG. 13. When a customer/subscriber is readyto be added to the network, a distribution device (e.g., device 640,device 640 a or device 640 b) can be optically coupled to the component630. If additional cable length is needed, an intermediate patch cord(e.g., component 620 of FIG. 12) can be installed between the component630 and the distribution device. If the fiber distribution device 640 isused (see FIG. 25), a splitter device (e.g., splitter component 610 ofFIG. 15) can be coupled to the single fiber optical connector 446 toexpand the number of lines available for subscribers. A single fiberpatch cord (e.g., component 634 of FIG. 14) can be used to provideadditional cable length where needed. Multiple splitter devices can becoupled together in a cascading configuration to further expand thenumber of lines available for customers (see FIG. 25). Distributiondevices 640 can also be coupled together (as shown at FIG. 22) tofurther expand the network. If the fiber distribution device 640 a isused, single fiber patch cords (e.g., component 634 of FIG. 14) can beused to connect the splitter outputs to subscriber locations.Additionally, splitter components 610 can be added downstream in acascade configuration to expand the network capacity. If the fiberdistribution device 640 b is used, a breakout device (e.g., seecomponent 614 of FIG. 16) can be used to distribute the splitter outputsto individual subscribers (see FIG. 26). Component 620 can be used toprovide additional cable length between the device 640 b and thecomponent 614. In certain examples, the fiber distribution device 640 acan be coupled to the second output location of the fiber distributiondevice 640 b to provide a cascaded splitter arrangement with additionaldistribution possible through the first output location of the device640 a (see FIG. 27). The components 660, 670 can be used to divide agiven network line into multiple branches.

FIG. 28 shows multiple fiber distribution devices 640 positioned along apassive outdoor network routed from a fiber distribution hub 690. Thecomponents of the system can use hardened connectors. A feed cable 689optically connects the fiber distribution hub 690 to a central office691. The network includes first and second distribution lines 692, 693that extend outwardly from the hub 690. The distribution lines 692, 693can each be 12 fiber lines. The fiber distribution line 692 includesdevices 640 coupled together with the daisy chain and fiber indexingtechnique of FIG. 22. Each device 640 is positioned to service a blockof the neighborhood. Splitter components 610 can be coupled to thesecond outputs of the devices 640 to provide individual lines for eachpotential customer in the block. The distribution line 693 has a similarconfiguration to the distribution line 692, except one the dividercomponents 660 has been used to divide the line 693 into separatebranches 694, 695. Through indexing, live signals can be provided to alltwelve devices 640 of each line 692, 693.

FIG. 29 shows a distribution line 699 in a multi-dwelling unit 700. Thecomponents of the line 699 can use non-hardened connectors. The line 699includes devices 640 coupled together with the daisy chain and fiberindexing technique of FIG. 22. As depicted, one device 640 can beprovided per floor. Splitter components 610 can be coupled to the secondoutputs of the devices 640 to provide individual lines for eachpotential customer on the floor. In one example, the line 699 canconnect to an FDH in the basement of the building.

The system of FIGS. 22 and 30 uses indexing of fibers to ensure that alive fiber will be provided at the first port of the first multi-fiberconnector 642 (and thus the second output location) when multi-fiberdistribution devices are strung together in a chain. After each indexingstep, an additional fiber 657 is no longer used since it is notconnected to service through the first connector 642. Fibers 657 in thisinstance would be dead fibers.

The dead fibers 657 can be used to carry signals as live fibers as shownin FIGS. 31 and 32. These signals are carried from right to left asviewed in these FIGS. This implementation can double the capacity of thesystem by having signals traveling in one direction as they are indexedup in the multi-fiber connectors, and a second set of signals in theopposite direction as the fibers are indexed into the multi-fiberconnectors as new fibers. This is shown in FIGS. 31 and 32.

The above bi-directional usage is advantageous in a fiber loop or fiberring. Another advantage could arise as a redundant fiber path that couldserve the drop locations that are downstream from a cable cut. Thesystem of FIGS. 31 and 32 removes the dead fibers and provides optionsfor using them as live fibers with the bi-directional usage. The numbercan vary as the number of fibers in the multi-fiber connector varies.

As indicated above, FIG. 30 schematically depicts a fiber optic networkarchitecture 700 having features in accordance with the principles ofthe present disclosure. The fiber optic network architecture 700includes a plurality of fiber optic lines A1-A12 routed at leastpartially along a route 702 that extends past a plurality of droplocations 704. As shown at FIG. 30, the solid lines represent livefibers. In contrast, the asterisks represent dead (e.g., unused or dark)fibers.

Multi-fiber optical connectors 642 are positioned along the route 702.The fiber optic lines A1-A12 extend through the multi-fiber opticalconnectors 642. The multi-fiber optical connectors 642 each havemultiple consecutive fiber positions P1-P12 for receiving optical fiberscorresponding to the fiber optic lines A1-A12. The fiber optic linesA1-A12 are indexed in a first indexing direction 706 along theconsecutive fiber positions P1-P12 of the multi-fiber optical connectors642 as the fiber optic lines A1-A12 extend in a first route direction708 along the route 702. The fiber optic lines A1-A12 are progressivelydropped from the route 702 to subscriber connection points 710 at thedrop locations 704 by indexing the fiber optic lines A1-A12 to one ofthe consecutive fiber positions P1-P12 that is a first predetermineddrop position 712 (e.g., P1).

It will be appreciated that the fiber optic network architecture 700 caninclude additional multi-fiber connectors incorporated between thedepicted connectors and can use multi-fiber connectors having fibercounts other than 12. For example, in certain examples, multi-fiberoptical connectors can include at least 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24 or moreoptical fibers. Additionally, in certain examples, the architecture 700can include any of the indexing components disclosed herein such asindexing terminals, indexing cables, or other types of structures thatcan be strung together in a chain to provide for progressive (e.g.,serial, consecutive, sequential) indexing of the optical fibers toward apredetermined drop position.

FIG. 31 illustrates another fiber optic network architecture 800 inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The fiberoptic network architecture 800 is configured to utilize the dark fibersof the architecture 700 of FIG. 30 for the purpose of filling thecapacity of the network and/or for providing redundant lines to givendrop locations.

Referring to FIG. 31, the fiber optic network architecture 800 includesfirst fiber optic lines A1-A12 and second fiber optic lines B1-B12routed at least partially along a route 802 that extends past aplurality of drop locations 804. The fiber optic network architecture800 also includes a plurality of multi-fiber optical connectors 642positioned along the route 802. The fiber optic lines A1-A12 and B1-B12extend through the multi-fiber optical connectors 642. The multi-fiberoptical connectors 642 each have a plurality of consecutive fiberpositions P1-P12 for receiving optical fibers corresponding to the fiberoptic lines A1-A12 and B1-B12.

The fiber optic lines A1-A12 are indexed in a first indexing direction806 along the consecutive fiber positions P1-P12 of the multi-fiberoptical connectors 642 as the fiber optic lines A1-A12 extend in a firstroute direction 808 along the route 802. The fiber optic lines A1-A12are progressively dropped from the route 802 to subscriber connectionpoints 810 at the drop locations 804 by progressively indexing the fiberoptic lines A1-A12 to one of the consecutive fiber positions P1-P12 thatis a first predetermined drop position 812 (e.g., P1).

The fiber optic lines B1-B12 are indexed in a second indexing direction814 along the consecutive fiber positions P1-P12 as the fiber opticlines B1-B12 extend in a second route direction 816 along the route 702.The optical fiber lines B1-B12 are progressively dropped from the route802 to subscriber connection points 818 at the drop locations 804 byprogressively indexing the fiber optic lines to another of theconsecutive fiber positions P1-P12 that is a second predetermined dropposition 820 (e.g., P12). The second predetermined drop position 820 isa different one of the consecutive fiber positions P1-P12 as compared tothe first predetermined drop position 812. Also, the first indexingdirection 806 is opposite from the second indexing direction 814.Moreover, the first route direction 808 is opposite from the secondroute direction 816.

It will be appreciated that the architecture 800 is depictedschematically and that additional multi-fiber optical connectors can beadded into the architecture. Additionally, single fiber optical portssuch as ruggedized fiber optic adapters can be provided at thesubscriber connection points 810, 816. Moreover, various indexingstructures can be strung serially together in a chain to form thearchitecture 800. Example indexing structures include indexing cables,indexing terminals or other structures disclosed herein suitable forproviding a fiber indexing function.

In the depicted embodiment, the multi-fiber optical connectors 642 are12-fiber optical connectors. In other examples, the multi-fiber opticalconnectors can include at least 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 or more optical fibers.

Referring back to FIG. 31, the first optical lines A1-A12 and the secondoptical lines B1-B12 extend to a common location such as a centraloffice 822. In this way, the optical fiber lines A1-A12 and the opticalfiber lines B1-B12 cooperate to form a fiber loop.

Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that thescope of this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the illustrativeexamples set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A component comprising: a first hardenedmulti-fiber connection location, the first hardened multi-fiberconnection location having a number of fiber positions defined by afirst multi-fiber ferrule; a second hardened multi-fiber connectionlocation, the second hardened multi-fiber connection location having asecond multi-fiber ferrule defining the same number of fiber positionsas the first multi-fiber ferrule of the first hardened multi-fiberconnection location; first fibers indexed between the first and secondmulti-fiber connection locations; a splitter having an input and aplurality of outputs, wherein the plurality of outputs includes eightoutputs that all terminate, at a third hardened multi-fiber connectionlocation, the third multi-fiber connection location including a thirdmulti-fiber ferrule defining fiber positions that receive the outputs ofthe splitter; and a second fiber routed from the first hardenedmulti-fiber connection location to the input of the splitter.
 2. Thecomponent of claim 1, wherein the first fibers are bidirectionallyindexed.
 3. The component of claim 1, wherein the first and secondhardened multi-fiber connection locations define twelve fiber positions.4. The component of claim 1, wherein configurations of the first andsecond hardened multi-fiber connection locations are intermateable. 5.The component of claim 1, further comprising a housing carrying thefirst and second hardened multi-fiber connection locations.
 6. Thecomponent of claim 5, wherein the housing carries the splitter and thethird hardened multi-fiber connection location.
 7. The component ofclaim 1, wherein each of the first, second, and third hardenedmulti-fiber connection locations includes a multi-fiber optical adapter,the multi-fiber optical adapter at the third hardened multi-fiberconnection location receiving the third multi-fiber ferrule.
 8. Thecomponent of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second hardenedmulti-fiber connection locations includes a multi-fiber opticalconnector.
 9. The component of claim 1, wherein the component includes abifurcated cable.
 10. A system comprising: a first indexing chain havinga plurality of indexing components, each indexing component havingrespective first and second multi-fiber connection locations that areeach defined by a respective multi-fiber ferrule, each indexingcomponent including a plurality of indexing fibers indexed between themulti-fiber ferrules of the respective first and second multi-fiberconnection locations, wherein the multi-fiber ferrule of the firstmulti-fiber connection location of each indexing component isintermateable to the multi-fiber ferrule of the second multi-fiberconnection location of each other indexing component, wherein theindexing components are daisy-chained together by interconnecting thefirst and second multi-fiber connection locations; a splitter having aninput, the splitter being configured to split optical signals from theinput onto a plurality of output fibers terminated at a thirdmulti-fiber connection location, the third multi-fiber connectionlocation including a hardened multi-fiber optical connector including arespective multi-fiber ferrule; a drop fiber connected to the firstmulti-fiber connection location of one of the indexing components andconnected to the input of the splitter; and a second indexing chainextending from the third multi-fiber connection location, the secondindexing chain having a plurality of indexing components, each indexingcomponent of the second indexing chain having respective first andsecond multi-fiber connection locations, each indexing component of thesecond indexing chain including a plurality of indexing fibers indexedbetween the respective first and second multi-fiber connectionlocations.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first multi-fiberconnection location of each indexing component of the second indexingchain is intermateable to the second multi-fiber connection location ofeach other indexing component of the second indexing chain, wherein theindexing components of the second indexing chain are daisy-chainedtogether by interconnecting the first and second multi-fiber connectionlocations.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein each of the first,second, and third hardened multi-fiber connection locations includes amulti-fiber optical adapter, the multi-fiber optical adapter at thethird hardened multi-fiber connection location receiving the thirdmulti-fiber optical connector.
 13. The system of claim 10, wherein eachof the first and second hardened multi-fiber connection locationsincludes a multi-fiber optical connector.